How to drive the challenging Road F905 in Eastern Iceland
Iceland, europe
62.6 km
658 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, buckle up for the Arnardalsleið (F905) in Iceland's wild East! This isn't your average Sunday drive—we're talking a proper 4x4 adventure that demands a high-clearance vehicle. This famous F Road stretches for about 63 km (almost 39 miles) between the 910 Road and the F910.
Seriously, leave the city car at home. This track throws stream crossings at you, and some of the rivers can get seriously dicey. You'll climb to a peak of almost 660 meters (over 2100 feet) above sea level, and it's only open during the summer months. Even then, keep an eye on the weather—snow and sandstorms can roll in unexpectedly.
Those river crossings? They're the real deal. If you are not experienced with fording rivers, do not proceed. Only go with a super-equipped jeep/truck and with experience, and *always* check water depths. River levels can change *fast*. Oh, and pro tip: most rental insurance doesn't cover water damage from crossings, so be smart and safe. This road is a visual stunner, but she can bite. Get stuck? Call 112 for help.
Where is it?
How to drive the challenging Road F905 in Eastern Iceland is located in Iceland (europe). Coordinates: 64.8568, -17.8780
Road Details
- Country
- Iceland
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 62.6 km
- Max Elevation
- 658 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- 64.8568, -17.8780
Related Roads in europe
hardHow to have the ultimate road trip to Costas Migkotzidis hut
🇬🇷 Greece
# Costas Migkotzidis: Greece's Sky-High Mountain Adventure Perched at a breathtaking 2,365 meters (7,759 feet) above sea level, the Costas Migkotzidis emergency shelter sits on the border between Thessaly and Macedonia in Greece's stunning Mount Olympus National Park. It's seriously up there—one of the country's highest accessible spots. Getting to this mountain hut is no casual Sunday drive. The unpaved road kicks off at Sparmos and climbs a relentless 19.1 kilometers (11.86 miles), gaining 1,785 meters of elevation with an average gradient of 9.34%. This is a 4x4-only affair, used primarily as a chairlift access road and military training route. Fair warning: winter makes this road completely impassable, and strong winds aren't occasional visitors here—they're practically daily companions. Be prepared for seriously gusty conditions. The shelter itself is unstaffed and unlocked, so you're on your own up there, but that's part of the adventure. If you're feeling particularly ambitious, there's a bonus challenge north of the shelter. A brutal rocky track climbs another 1.81 kilometers (1.12 miles) toward the peaks of Agios Antonios and Trýpes, where you'll find a meteorological center that also serves as an emergency shelter. This beast gains 294 meters with an average gradient of 16.24%—and some sections hit a punishing 24%. It's genuinely steep, even by mountain standards.
moderateA steep paved road to the summit of Collado El Gavilan in Teruel
🇪🇸 Spain
# Collado El Gavilán: A Spanish Mountain Adventure Tucked away in Teruel's stunning Aragon region, Collado El Gavilán is a seriously scenic mountain pass sitting pretty at 1,517 meters (4,977 feet) above sea level. This northeastern Spanish gem is one you'll definitely want to add to your bucket list. The TE-V-6006 is your ticket to the top—a 16.6-kilometer (10.31-mile) paved route that winds its way from Camarena de la Sierra over to La Puebla de Valverde, running west to east across the majestic Sierra de Javalambre mountain range. Fair warning: you'll encounter some seriously steep sections pushing up to 10.7%, so come prepared with good brakes and an adventurous spirit. Here's the best part: this pass stays open year-round, so you can tackle it whenever the mood strikes. Whether you're a road-tripper chasing mountain views or a driver who loves a good challenge, Collado El Gavilán delivers on both fronts with breathtaking scenery and a road that'll definitely get your adrenaline pumping.
moderateIs the road from Agia Effimia to Karavomylos paved?
🇬🇷 Greece
Cruising the east coast of Kefalonia, the drive from Agia Effimia to Karavomylos is pure Greek magic! This paved beauty hugs the coastline for just under 4 miles, running north to south and linking those two sweet spots. Give yourself 10-20 minutes to soak it all in, though you'll probably want to stop every few feet! Be warned, this road gets *super* popular in the summer months. What makes it so special? Picture this: sparkling Ionian Sea views, dozens of tiny beaches with those classic Greek pebbles and layered rocks. The road literally feels like it's about to plunge into the water at times, with some serious drop-offs (and not a lot of guardrails!). You can even still see evidence of the massive earthquakes of 1953 that raised the entire island nearly two feet! Seriously, this road is gorgeous…and just a little bit wild.
hardWhere is Venta del Chaleco?
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, picture this: you're in the heart of Andalusia, Southern Spain, ready to tackle the Venta del Chaleco. This mountain pass is your ticket to some seriously stunning views, tucked away in the sun-baked Granada province. Think white-washed villages clinging to hillsides, rugged terrain stretching as far as the eye can see, and you're getting close. This baby sits pretty in the Sierra Contraviesa range, a thermal sweet spot where the Mediterranean breeze meets the mountain air. Hello, panoramic views! We're talking the sparkling Med to the snowy peaks of Sierra Nevada's Mulhacén and Veleta. The road itself? Officially the GR-420, it's paved, but don't expect a smooth ride. It’s narrow with hairpin after hairpin, keeping you on your toes the whole way. The asphalt's generally in good nick, but watch out for crumbly edges where the weather's taken its toll. It’s a proper driver's road. From the Benínar Reservoir, you've got about 23km to the top. It’s a climb, that’s for sure. The average gradient is around 4%, but there are some steeper sections hitting 11%, especially as you leave the reservoir behind. That distance plus the insane amount of curves equals a slow but incredibly scenic cruise through vineyards and almond groves. The challenge here? It's all about those relentless twists and turns. Your brakes and gears are gonna get a workout! Summer heat can be intense, so make sure your ride's cooling system is up to the job. And even though it's a milder mountain range, winter can bring mists and even a touch of frost up at 1,300+ meters. This road is definitely for those who like their driving with a dash of "wild," well away from the usual tourist trails.